New Zealand’s Earthquake Commissions has targeted Irish workers to help fill the 8,000 positions needed to rebuild damaged buildings in Christchurch and on the South Island after the earthquakes earlier in the year.

Though it would involve a move overseas, the opportunity may be one too lucrative to turn down for the many Irish Laborers out of work in the struggling Irish economy, according to RTE.

Ian Simpson, Chief Executive of the EQC, said that Irish laborers were attractive because they need jobs, they speak English and they are skilled for the jobs.

Construction Industry Federation Director General Tom Parlon said that though the news that Irish laborers are in demand is good, the fact that many will leave these shores to pursue employment abroad is a further blow to the construction industry in Ireland.

The Irish employment website constructionjobs.ie has feature several opening in New Zealand, with permanent jobs available with salaries ranging from $56,996.00 to $85,494.